'Delicate ironies quite imperceptible on its surface': Henry S. Whitehead's weird tales and American empire in the Caribbean

This article mounts an initial exploratory engagement with the weird fiction of Henry S. Whitehead, framed by American imperial expansion into the Caribbean in the interwar years. It situates Whitehead and his work within the wider historical context and shows how Whitehead himself used and played with history as part of his fiction. The article considers the role of light in Whitehead's fiction and imperial projects, as well as the way that Whitehead's work, as horror fiction, both shapes and seeks to dispel notions of the Caribbean as a space of horror. As well as offering some initial conclusions, the article seeks to open further lines for future investigation.

Automated summary

This article provides an initial exploration of Henry S. Whitehead's weird fiction in the context of American imperial expansion into the Caribbean during the interwar years. It situates Whitehead and his work within the larger historical context and discusses how he incorporated and manipulated history in his fiction. The article examines the role of light in Whitehead's fiction and imperial projects, and how his horror fiction both shapes and dispels notions of the Caribbean as a space of horror. Furthermore, it suggests further avenues for future research.